How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping the Pill?

Are you considering stopping the pill and wondering how soon you can get pregnant? You're not alone. Millions of women around the world use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, but when it's time to start a family, the question arises: How soon can you get pregnant after stopping the pill?

The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we will explore the different types of birth control and the timeline for conception after stopping them, and the factors that can affect your fertility. Get ready to learn all you need to know about this important topic.

The Different Types of Birth Control and How They Work

Any method or technique to prevent pregnancy or lower its chances is called a birth control method/technique. Some of them are quite rigorous or could be hypoallergenic, So, it is advised that before choosing any one of them you must consult your Ob-Gyn once.

There are different types of birth control options available today in the market for both genders. However, for faster conception you must not use the below mentioned methods.

For Women

1. Female condoms

To stop sperm from entering a vagina, a latex-inverted pouch is put into the vagina. It is disposable, widely available, does not influence hormone levels and offers some protection from STDs also. After discontinuing this method, you can get pregnant right away.

2. Birth control pills

Contraceptive pills are specially prescribed to women who are sexually active and want to refrain from unwanted pregnancy. However, sometimes doctors prescribe birth control pills to women who are suffering from PCOS or PCOD. After discontinuing progestin-only pills, you can get pregnant right away. However, discontinuing a combination pill can result in pregnancy within a few weeks to 3 months.

3. Intrauterine Device

It is a T-shaped plastic device which comes in two varieties. The first one is wrapped in some copper whereas the second one releases Progesterone hormone in the body. In order to get pregnant, you must have your IUD removed and you may be able to get pregnant within a few months after removal.

4. Diaphragm

It is made from rubber and shaped like a dome. It must be placed over the cervix just before sexual intercourse. You may get pregnant within the same month of discontinuing it.

5. Vaginal ring

It is a thin ring that is placed inside the vagina which releases the same hormones just as the birth control pills. This ring can be replaced once a month. After removing the ring, you may conceive within a few weeks.

If you are wondering how soon can you get pregnant after stopping the pill, then you must consult your doctor once.

For Men

1. Withdrawal

This is one of the oldest forms of contraception and the most preferred one by couples. The male partner must pull out the penis just before the ejaculation. You can get pregnant right away once you discontinue it.

2. Outercourse

This method does not include vaginal intercourse and includes only oral sex. The chances of pregnancy are highly reduced as there is no penetration of the vagina. You can get intimate with your partner before sex however for conception deep penetration of penis into the vagina is pivotal.

3. Condoms

This product is made from latex and must be worn on top of the penis before sexual intercourse. It acts as a barrier and prevents any sperm from entering the vagina. You can conceive right away once you stop using condoms during intercourse.

4. Vasectomy

This method involves the blocking of the tubes in the penis which releases sperm. This method is reversible. A couple may conceive anywhere between 4 months to 1 year after a vasectomy reversal.

How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control?

Conception can happen soon after you stop taking pills or can happen after a few months also, depending on the birth control method. It is highly unpredictable because every human body is different and so are their hormone levels.

Ovulation and fertility can take 1-6 months to return to normal after discontinuing the birth control pills. The human body needs an ample amount of time for the natural hormone levels to return to normal.

The uterine lining takes time to thicken up and get ready for implantation. The ovary takes time to get ready so that an egg can mature and release an egg. Also keep in mind that as women age, their fertility fluctuates, which results in a progressive decline in their capacity to conceive.

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Factors That Affect Fertility After Stopping Birth Control

Many factors influence how quickly you can get pregnant after discontinuation of birth control pills like:

• A woman’s age
• How often a couple has sex
• Common fertility issues
• Thyroid issues
• Hormonal issues
• Issues in your reproductive system
• Health conditions like Endometriosis and PCOS
• Issues with your partner’s sperm or sperm production

Steps to Take When Trying to Conceive After Stopping Birth Control

After stopping taking birth control pills you must take certain steps to prepare your body for pregnancy like:

• Start taking prenatal vitamins three months before trying to conceive as prescribed by the doctor
• A balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight
• Healthy lifestyle choices like exercising
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Reducing stress
• Timely sex (during your fertile window)
• Tracking your menstrual cycle and ovulation
• Tracking changes in your Basal Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus
• Ovulation tests
• Regular visits to your Ob-Gyn

When to Seek Medical Advice When Trying to Conceive

If you are wondering when to visit your doctor regarding conception, then you must not delay in consulting your doctor if:

• You are aged 35 and over and trying to conceive
• If you have been trying to conceive for over 1 year
• If you are a chronic smoker
• You have a long-term condition like thyroid, diabetes and obesity and want advice about pregnancy
• History of polycystic ovaries or if you are diagnosed with endometriosis or fibroids
• Underweight or overweight women
• Suffering from any genetic disease
• You regularly take medicines (like asthma) and want to know their effects while you are trying to conceive
• History of prolonged use of contraceptive pills
• History of menstrual disorders, hormonal imbalance, and irregular periods
• Epilepsy patients
• History of STDs like Chlamydia

If you do not have any underlying medical issues and just generally want to have a word with your doctor regarding conception and pregnancy, then you must feel free to talk to your doctor. Don’t be anxious or hide anything related to you and your partner from your gynecologist.

Key Takeaways

It is important to remember that every woman's body is different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how soon you can get pregnant after stopping the pill. While it is possible to get pregnant immediately after stopping the birth control pills, it can take time for the body to adjust and for ovulation to resume. By taking the time to understand your body and working with your healthcare provider, you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health

References

1. Cooper DB, Patel P, Mahdy H. Oral Contraceptive Pills. (2022). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
2. Girum T, Wasie A. (2018). Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Contracept Reprod Med.